Bald Knob Lookout Near Powers, OR

Check Availability

Lookout building on ridge with Forest Service i.d. sign, communications tower, green shrubs and conifer trees backed by blue sky.

Featured amenities

Bedrooms

View all amenities

About Bald Knob Lookout

Bald Knob Lookout is perched atop Bald Knob at an elevation of 3.6 ft in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Originally developed in 1931 as a lookout site, Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) observation station between 1942 and 1944. The Forest Service removed and replaced the original with the present flat top structure in 1963. The lookout tower is available for reservations from Memorial Day through October, and guests must bring several of their own amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Year-round

Hiking

Year-round

Photography

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season

Upcoming seasons

Past seasons

Closed periods

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Currently closed

Campground Amenities

C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

🏠 Cabin

4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests

Shade

Surface: Gravel

View Site Details

Reviews (21)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Bald Knob Lookout offers a beautiful setting with stunning sunsets and a clean cabin, making it a unique experience overall. While there are no propane facilities, and access requires some effort, two nearby hikes enhance the visit. Guests recommend bringing your own cooking equipment and water, and to check directions carefully before arriving.

What Guests Are Saying

Review Summary

4.1

21 reviews

57.1%

19.0%

9.5%

4.8%

9.5%

Bridget M

Verified

December 18, 2019 • Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

Solid lookout! LONG, windy drive, but that usually means you have the area to yourself right? Would stay again, with more time! Lots of trails around, but ended up lounging at the lookout. Would have liked to stay at least 2 nights to do more activities. Reception is out most of the drive, but picks up a little for Verizon once you're in the tower. Also, do NOT use a map application to the address. Use the ones provided by the reservation.

Location & Directions for Bald Knob Lookout

42861 Hwy 242, Powers, OR 97466 United States

Map of Bald Knob Lookout location at Powers, OR, United States

Open in Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Getting There

<p>From Portland take 1-5S to OR-42 West. Take OR 542 S to Powers. Drive south from the Powers Ranger District office on Highway 242 through the town of Powers to the Forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 33 along the South Fork of the ...

Nearest town

Powers, OR - 22 mi

About 53 min to downtown

Highway access

Access to Bald Knob Lookout is via OR-42 and Highway 242, which are the nearest major roads. OR-42 is approximately 23 miles from the campground.

Policies & Rules

General

Maximum capacity of the tower is four occupants at any one time
Pets are not allowed at this facility
All garbage and food must be packed out
The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
Learn more about Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Nearby Campgrounds

Instant Book

Campground / RV park

Lake of the Woods Lookout

Gold Beach, OR

Lake of the Woods Lookout, located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, offers stunning views amidst mountainous terrain and forested hills. Originally a ground house on Barklow Mountain, it was relocated and placed on a tower in 1974, sta...

4.4 (43)